Celebrating National Children’s Dental Health Month
Each February, the American Dental Association (ADA) helps us all remember the smallest dental patients. Through National Children’s Dental Health Month, dental health providers and staff, caregivers, parents, and teachers come together as a reminder that it is up to us to give children the best start on oral health. And the time to start is … now.
According to the CDC, “[c]avities (also known as caries or tooth decay) are one of the most common chronic diseases of childhood in the United States.” Additionally, children who have poor oral health often miss more school and receive lower grades than children who don't. The CDC notes that untreated cavities can be painful and cause infections that may lead to long-term, and often serious, health issues, pointing to these staggering statistics:
About 1 of 5 (20%) children aged 5 to 11 years have at least one untreated decayed tooth.
1 of 7 (13%) adolescents aged 12 to 19 years have at least one untreated decayed tooth.
Children aged 5 to 19 years from low-income families are twice as likely (25%) to have cavities, compared with children from higher-income households (11%).
All About Water
Each year, the ADA promotes a different campaign to target various dental health goals. For 2021, the campaign is “Water, Nature’s Drink.” Water plays a significant role not only in our overall health, but also in our oral health. This year, the ADA strives to remind parents and children about the importance of water, including the following points:
Water can help improve children’s health and their smiles.
Water is better for children’s teeth than almost anything else to drink because it does not contain harmful sugars or other sweeteners, and can help wash away plaque and food particles.
The fluoride found in many public water supplies increases the strength of our children’s teeth and helps to prevent cavities.
Just Keep Brushing
Without doubt, this month, as much as any other, is a great time for providers to reinforce the importance of good brushing for children. Tips include: reminding children to make it a habit and not skip brushing; helping them make it fun by humming a two-minute song while they brush; trying different toothpastes until they find the one they like the best; and, of course, setting a good example – children watch what their parents do and will emulate that behavior.
Above all, providers should use this time to remind parents not to give up. While it can be daunting at times, it is up to them to instill these healthy habits into their children from an early age. The ADA also stresses to remind parents that it’s never too early to start cleaning a baby’s gums with a soft damp washcloth, that brushing with an infant toothbrush can start as soon as the first tooth comes in, that they should supervise all brushing for children ages six and under to help make sure they do not swallow toothpaste, and that as soon as two teeth touch, flossing can begin.
From drinking water to brushing and flossing to healthy snacks and routine dental visits, maintaining good oral health throughout life starts with the attitudes and habits established at an early age. Click here for more information or to download the 2021 poster and other fun activities for children visiting the office.
At Signature Dental, our support of dental practices goes far beyond collections, credentialing, and billing. We also support our partners by providing important reminders and information for them and their patients. Dental practices can promote Children’s Dental Health Month by downloading and printing activities for children, posting oral health tips for children in the office and on social media, sending reminders to schedule appointments, and reminding parents about the increased risk of health issues associated with poor oral health in children.